So to add to the growing list of problems on my toyota, I get in today and as it starts raining find that only my driver's side wiper works. The other one struggles up about a centimeter and falls back down. I suspect this is due to the mechanical linkage, as the motor is obviously working and the screw-thing that the wiper arm goes on turns normally when the wiper is not on. My problem, though, is accessing the linkage. I pulled up the top grille to get at the problem but found that most of the system lies under another barrier beneath even that, which for all practical purposes appears to be part of the body itself and not removable (without cutting). How do I get at the linkage to replace and repair as needed?

This truck is just falling to pieces it seems. When it's not one thing it's another now !

 

you may need to just tighten the retaining nut @ the bottom of the wiper arm(15 ft. lbs.), instead of removing the linkage arm, as the strain of removing snow or leaf buidlup sometimes causes it to loosen.
since the spindle does move without the arm on it, that would indicate that the linkage arm is connected & functioning properly & so, is not your problem.
it is also possible that the spindle &/or the wiper arm's sleve has become stripped, something you can eyeball, & is in need of replacement.

good luck & i hope this saves you a headache,

-f-